Bad News for the Collar

In a rematch of last years semi-final playoff, the Taproom avenged one of the most painful losses in franchise history scoring a 11-7 win over Bishops Collar.

The game got off to a slow offensive start, with both teams contributing only 5 runs after 4 innings. Going into the top of the 5th inning, the score was SPTR 4, BC 1. Then the offense of both teams woke up. In the top of the 5th, the Tappies brought 9 hitters to the plate who contributed 6 hits and 5 runs, capped by Coach Al's 2 run HR. The BC bats woke up in the bottom of the 6th, scattering 5 hits on top of 2 SPTR errors and scoring 6 runs. After 6 innings, the score was SPTR 9 BC 7.

In the top of the 7th, the Taproom came to the plate needing some insurance runs, and they got that with a timely 2 out 2 RBI single from John Benson that extended the lead to 4 runs heading into the final frame.

Swede pitched a perfect 1-2-3 bottom of the 7th, forcing 3 straight flyballs outs, and the game ended with a final score of SPTR 11, BC 7.

All in all it was a well played game. The Taproom's defense was a little stronger and their hitting was a bit more disciplined. The Collar seemed to have quite a few fly-ball outs.

Hats off to Swede for pitching a complete game and keeping the BC batters off balance all night. All of this coming off a significant surgery. Well done Swede!

PLAY OF THE GAME

Bottom of the first inning, 2 outs, runner on 2nd base. Hard hit ball to Ryan at 1st base. Ryan cleanly fields the ball and underhand flips to Swede who sprinted over to cover first base. Great instinctive defensive play by Swede. Sounds simple, but nine out of ten times in slow pitch softball the pitcher doesn't cover 1st base.

Quote of the Game

" Come on, it's Edgely 4!"

- Words spoken from an anonymous scout on an opposing team after a member of the Collar chastised him for urinating on the pitchers mound. Asked later which field(s) he considers good enough NOT to pee on, said person indicated Dairy 2 was sacred ground.

Coaching Update

Congrats to Al for getting his first win as SPTR skipper. Coach Al joins a long line of great player/coaches including Carol, Jeremy, and Lenny Wilkins. Unfortunately, due to technical issues, Al's post game press conference is not yet available on Youtube. Check back later this week for updates.

On Deck

Two big games next week against The Franklin and FLM. Good seats are still available.

Why is this night different from all other nights?

For anyone familiar with the Maxwell-house Haggadah, the answer to the question above is quite obvious. For those who are less familiar with nuances of Passover and more familiar with the power structure of the CCSL, the answer is much more disturbing.

On a rain soaked Edgley field, the South Philly Taproom lost the Home Opener to the Art Museum for the first time since 1946. In his inaugural post game press conference, the new SPTR skipper Al Heinle summed the game up in 3 words. "Well, that sucked".

On the bright side, after 3 years of rumors and innuendo, it appears new uniforms are on the way, and our current 'Ronald McDonald Style' Jerseys will be slowly phased out over the next few weeks. Please note, Management is planning a Promotional SPTR 'Throwback Jersey Night' sponsored by Hatfield Quality Meats some time in June. As such, please make sure to keep your uniforms some place safe.

More to come next week.